Flexible diaphragm



Jan. 27, 1931. C. C, "FARMER 1,790,206

FLEXIBLE DIAPHRAGM Filed June 2. 1927 3 DNVENTOR Cum: c. FARMER ATTORNEYPatented Jan. 27, 1931 .UNITED srA'rgsS PATENT 'ol-rice cLYnEc. PAmrEa,oP PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, 'AssIGNon 'ro THE wIs'PING- House Am BRAKECOMPANY, 'or WILMERDING, PENNSYLVANIA, A conPonA'rIoN o1- PENNSYLVANIAPLExIBLE DIAPIIRAGM' Application mea :une 2, 1927. sriai N0. 196,077.v

This invention relates to flexible diaphragms of the type adapted to beclamped at the outer edge and which is flexed in service to accomplishVarious purposes.

The principal-object ofthe invention is to provide an improved flexiblediaphragm having a U-shaped annular fold adjacent its periphery, thesides of which fold are so reinforced as to resist the tendency ofcircumferential tension on the diaphragm which might be produced by thepressure actin upon the diaphragm, especially when the -shaped fold isof such a 'depth as to provide for considerable follower travel.-

In the accompanying drawing, Fig. 1 is'a plan View of a `flexiblediaphragm constructedin accordance with my invention; Fig. 2 is asectional view of the same taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is anenlarged sectional View of a portion of the ex- .25 formed therein, partof the View being in ible diaphragm taken on tle line 3-3 of Fig. 1; andFig. 4 is an enlarged diagrammatic plan View of a portion of theflexible diaphragm before the U-shaped fold is section to more clearlyillustrate the invention.

According to my invention, the dia- -phragm 1, as shown in the drawing,comprises a disk of rubber composition, having radially disposed cords 2and cords 3 concentric with the peri hery of the diaphragm and all ofsuchjcord; vare embedded inthe rubber composition.

Adjacent its periphery, this diaphragm is provided with an annularU-shaped corrugation or fold 4, at which fold the flexing 'of thediaphragm takes place. The cords 3 crossv the cords 2 and when the fold4 is formed these cords' 3 will be disposed one above the other and willform a part of the side walls of the fold. Y

The provision' f the U-shaped fold in the diaphragm makes the diaphragmvery sensitive or responsive to changes in pressure on the diaphragm andthe radial cord reinforcement strengthens the diaphragm so as towithstand continual flexing for a longv time without rupture orbreaking, while the cords 3 strengthen the walls ofthe fold 4 In thedrawing, each o the sidewalls of the fold 4 have been illustrated asembodying four reinforcing cords 3, but it will be understood that thisnumber may be increased or decreased, depending upon the depth of thefold. In some instances the reinforcing cords 3 may be embodied in only'one of the side walls.

Having now described my invention, what I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is

1. A flexible diaphragm comprising a disk of rubber composition having asubstantially U-shaped annular fold adjacent its periphery, and aplurality of cords arranged one above the other. and each in the form ofan annulus and embedded in each of the side walls of said fold.

2. A flexible diaphragm comprising a disk of rubber composition having asubstantially U-shaped annular ,fold adjacent its periphery, radiallydisposed cords embedded therein, anda cord in the form of an annulus/crossing said radially disposed cords in one of the side walls of saidfold.

3. A flexible diaphragm comprising a disk of rubber composition having asubstantially U-shaped annular fold adjacent its bed edA therein, and aplurality of cords in the side walls of said fold and crossing saidradially dis osed cords. 0

4. A lexi lediaphragm comprising a dlsk of rubber composition having asubstantially U-shaped annular fold adjacent its periphery, radiallydisposed' cords embedded therein, and a plurality of cords in the sidewalls of said fold, arranged one above the other and crossing saidradially 'dis- .posed cords.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set m hand.

y CLYDE C. FARMER.

riphery, radiallyv disposed cords em-

